Stop at 6 pillows on a bed. You need 2 soft extra-long pillows, 2 European squares, an, if you want, you can do 2 more European squares. But those Pekingese-size small pillows all over the bed are vulgar. And you have so much to throw on the floor when you get into bed.

Don't hang a mirror between windows. The spatial void it creates distracts from the view. And don't fall prey to using mirrors in every room or over every mantel. Mirrors are not art, and a room needs art.

PeepsIt's Monday morning and collectively we survived the trip back home to see the folks, as well as getting through any discomfort from probably eating too much holiday fare. Still, getting away from the usual pace of our life allows to more fully appreciate what we do have, as well as enables a clearer understanding of the small, tiny steps that must be taken to achieve the goals we've set for ourselves at the start of this year, and just might have fallen short of completing. If I could just stay clear of the anxieties which accompany the rush to get it all done perfectly before Santa gets here, I'll be just fine. And nothing comes close to the bliss of being stress-free, especially during the holiday season when expectations lurk behind every holly bush. Hope everyone is just as excited as I am in getting to the close of what has been quite a challenging year, as well as looking forward to the pleasant surprises just around the corner.Sincerely,Shane

Peeps,It's Black Friday and I intend to stay clear of any and every shopping mall(s). I'm still trying to figure out what it is that I need so desperately that I would be willing to brave the traffic and crowds in order to get it--the this and that which ostensibly can fill a hole in my psyche--and still those items elude my wish or want list. At least for now, I'm satisfied that recently purchased bags of paper-white bulbs have been installed on beds of decorative rocks in glass vases, and amaryllis bulbs prepped in iron urns for their expected seasonal glory, have been completed. Today after lunch, I'll sneak into Barnes and Noble where the shelves of interior-design books offer unlimited tips and inspiration for even more visual beauty. Have a wonderful day, and please remember to support small shops everywhere.Thanks,Shane

Peeps,I want to take this opportunity to thank all the blog readers, friends and family for your continued interest and participation in this little creative endeavor, as well as wish you a Happy Thanksgiving 2012.Sincerely,Shane

There's no mistaking that it's Thanksgiving time, and in a day or so all across America tables will groan under the weight of enormous platters of food, fixings, and fare, generously served to the expectant with plenty of opportunities for second helpings and thirds. It seems that on this occasion, friends and strangers, perhaps enemies or the estranged, will put aside differences, prejudices or past hostilities in order to ensure that everyone partakes in the abundance of this blessed land. Sounds almost corny, doesn't it? Truthfully, our elected officials on both sides (as well as Independents and Tea-baggers) have left the hallowed halls (of the Capitol) for feasting and smooching back home, and the cliff as well as other important issues still loom--on the near horizon. And while food still remains relatively cheap when compared to other nations, no one at the dinner-table wants to linger after pie and coffee to discuss the heavy burden placed on the economy though farm subsidies or tax-breaks; nor do we choose to examine the effect of chemicals (in the form of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers etc etc) on the environment. Even less distasteful--than dry turkey legs--is any discussion involving the living conditions and rights--if any!! of millions of uninvited foreign workers who ensure that the production cycle from field to table remains constant, and grocery-store shelves are filled. Better to sit properly and chew slowly; make polite talk and keep one's elbows off the table; or, decline seconds, plead weariness and head home at first chance--all of this, good and practical advise for getting ahead and keeping friends. All of this I have been told--repeatedly!!

Peeps,With missiles traversing borders and the number of casualties mounting, it's a little hard to stay starry-eyed and bubbly today. I wish that all the concerned parties could sit down and just work it out, but this I know is wishful thinking on my part. Until some sort of agreement is reached, the TV screen looms large and burns bright, and the sound of explosions can be heard clear across oceans. Wishing the best (of luck) to our blog readers in Jerusalem who have every right to fear for their safety, as well as question the reasons (for the blood-shed) which still continues . . .Sincerely,Shane

Imagine my surprise, and delight, at finding the latest House Beautiful in the mail basket this morning. As usual the featured interiors were noteworthy for being both accessible and inspirational, and this issue in particular left me with a new appreciation for the color grey and all its permutations. There's only a few more days before the shopping season peaks in a burst of black, and I intend to head out early today for the plant-nursery where I intend to purchase countless bags of paper-whites bulbs which when in blossom, can transform the ordinary into sublime--through pure scent. I hope that everyone has made plans to spend Thanksgiving Day doing something memorable, or thoroughly satisfying. If all goes as planned, back-to-back movies and Chinese take-out tops my list, followed by an hour or two searching though Ebay for yet another collectible probably destined as a stocking-stuffer. Love to take this opportunity to welcome everyone back to the work-week, amazingly a short one, yet again.

Yippee, it's the weekend! Can't wait to hit the thrift shops tomorrow and Georgetown flea-market on Sunday morning. Nothing is really needed, yet the thrill of the hunt keeps me, as well as any design-addicted peep on the move and one never knows what the kill may be. Whether large or small or precious, or, merely some trifle that touches something deep inside, the gods that govern luck or chance must be invoked at dawn's break. And if nothing is bagged this time, there are always coffee-table books (on sale at the used-book store) which allow for lazy hours of dreaming. Happy weekend to all.

Peeps,Whenever I hear home-owners recite the long list of the things missing or wrong with their newly-bought property, inwardly I cringe and outwardly I urge caution and emphasize restraint. Fueled by photos of expansive kitchen layouts or luxurious baths featured in the glossies, little thought is given to how one actually lives, or the budget(s) realistically needed to finance the transformation from what is perceived as inadequate to the wow factor(s) designed to elicit hand-shakes and back-slaps from friends, neighbors, and shy family members from back home. Better to move in, and slowly, carefully with the help of a professional develop the grand-plan with successive steps along the way to achieving nirvana. After the movers have departed, and the last box unpacked, nothing is more pleasant than Earl Grey, stacks of magazines, and time to think it through. And what makes it even more enjoyable is the 'ever-so-patient-and-knowledgeable' designer/decorator who will guide/cajole/dare/ground/expand your expectations, and assist you in creating your dream home. Strange creatures--they, the interior designers of the world; for without their knowing touch and wonderful eye, nothing is quite as beautiful. A big shout-out to all the design professionals who continue to make it happen!!Sincerely,Shane

Peeps,It's hard to believe that it's almost a week after the election, and much still needs to be completed before Thanksgiving and the onset of the Christmas festivities. According to economists the nation is heading towards a fiscal cliff, as are many of my working colleagues who have experienced a drastic reduction in projects, particularly in the last 14 or so months. Many professionals in all fields have been concerned about the scarcity of well-paying jobs, or the need to undertake even more tasks for the same fee(s), and yet one is loathe to lament publicly. At times I admit to a bit of confusion, since the glossy magazines gushingly report that high-end shops and designers can't keep up with the demand for luxury goods and custom services, yet a drive to downtown DC or Alexandria reveals plenty of vacant retail space. Hopefully in the near future, promises (made during the campaign) will result in a stronger economy, greater consumer confidence, and more jobs. Refusal--and austerity--may be elegant but only when it is a choice.Have a great work-week.Shane

Peeps,Last night, I pushed away in the far reaches of memory any thoughts of the ferocity of Superstorm Sandy's wind and rain which last week had halted everyday life by knocking out electrical power for blocks around, and dumped copious amounts of rain (most of which, I still believe, flowed right down through closed doors into my lower-level sanctuary where it ebbed and settled just below the hem of my favorite Indian-cotton bed cover, and in the process wrecked every bauble and pretty thing deemed precious and worthy of safekeeping). Much sleep was lost, and whether anxiety or fear or hope kept me--as well as zillions of other concerned citizens glued to the radio or the TV or online--up, now seems almost forgotten as collectively we bask in the glow of victory. Almost surreal was the spectacle that played across the super-sized screen in my host's den, and equally captivating was the 'call' at 1 or 2. Hearts aflutter and fingers atwitter, the news was shared and hope rekindled around a largely unified nation, quietly and surely. And we all await greatness, again!Sincerely,Shane

Peeps,Today, we all stand poised on the edge of insanity, or the sun. By now we've all had plenty of time to carefully consider the two options placed before us. It seems--to me-- that we can either continue on a path toward a future where endless possibilities await, or, turn back to an era in which science, technology, rationality, equality, an embrace of marginalized groups, as well as the future of our country could, or would, be held hostage to the interests of a select few.I, undoubtedly and without any hesitation, choose to embrace the ideals and values set forth by the Democratic Party, and will therefore be casting my vote for President Obama, who, still, offers hope, change, and progress (towards a more beautiful USA).Sincerely,Shane

Peeps,It's here and there's no turning back; the countdown begins to the Presidential Election (2012) and, at least to my hyper-tuned sensitivities, the nation throbs with excitement, and also weariness. Even the casual observer could not help but notice the countless emotion-driven ads, as well as innumerable stump speeches where jabs at racial and gender strides (or grasps) for equality and representation were met with jeers and, or, cheers. The economy remained high on the list of priorities, as was America's (meaning the USA) well-intended and much-lauded, yet frequently misguided, relationship with the rest of the world. Some issues remain shockingly silent on the menu of promises offered to voters; environmental concerns and the danger(s) of global warning, reproductive rights and marriage equality are tantamount for some, who may or many not, acquiesce to the agenda set forth by the 'majority.' Whether fringe or mainstream (or an abstainee; still? why??), everyone needs to join the queue tomorrow and play their individual part in helping to determine our shared destiny. X bless America!! Sincerely,Shane